ask (for)

Definition of ask (for)next
1
2
as in to woo
to act so as to make (something) more likely you are asking for trouble if you invite her ex to the wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to request
to give a request or demand for the surgeon asked for the scalpel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ask (for)
Verb
  • The Henderson County Sheriff's Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families—no matter how much time has passed.
    Nathalie Marie Palacios, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • One of the state's most experienced former lawmakers seeks to return to the Arkansas House, but faces opposition from a first-time candidate unimpressed by the record the veteran left behind.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In Single Lady, which premiered on Netflix in October 2024 after being filmed at her stand-up tour of the same name, Wong described how a man—revealed to be Hader later in the set—had wooed and pursued her, leading to her ultimately shedding that single lady status.
    Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Ross tried and failed early in his ownership tenure to woo coach Jim Harbaugh.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jessica Ranucci, a lawyer in the New York Attorney General’s office, said in the Friday hearing, which was conducted by telephone, that at least four of the states had already had money delayed after requesting it.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2026
  • With a general manager now in place, the Dolphins on Friday night called to express interest in former Ravens coach John Harbaugh and also requested interviews with three NFL assistant coaches, according to league sources.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The warmth of these paint colors counteracts the cool light in north-facing rooms, adds depth and character, and makes the otherwise cool spaces feel inviting.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • This country ranch at 84 Hop Brook Road in Simsbury, which offers one-floor living, also has undeniable curb appeal thanks to its inviting front porch, attractive stone retaining wall, and the large level lot that is nearly an acre in size.
    Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Free for all East Side San Jose residents, folks can sign up for pick up or order home delivery, as the foundation partners with DoorDash.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Trump, by contrast, ordered the capture of a leader already under narcoterrorism indictment and framed it as a drug bust and accountability for crimes, yet his opponents denounce him as aspiring to kingship and dictatorship.
    Paul Vallas, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Ask (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ask%20%28for%29. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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